Science in Schools
We are committed to providing high quality communications to secondary school audiences about undergraduate and graduate courses, careers and graduate outcomes, professional development for science teachers, and activities and programs for future students, parents and careers practitioners.
In2science
The Faculty of Science is a committed participant of In2science; an innovative and proven multi-university schools partnership program. In2science places volunteer university science, technology, engineering and maths students into year 8 and 9 classes in low socioeconomic high schools. Mentors work as role models by sharing their enthusiasm for science and maths, helping students to achieve in class and encouraging them to continue with science and maths into VCE and beyond.
Teachers appreciate the extra pair of hands and new ideas and activities brought to class by mentors. The University and schools value their ongoing partnership including direct links to current science and events.
As a mentor, university students develop communication skills, enhance their resumes, get a taste for the science/maths classroom and encourage the next generation of science students, and in the process proving that scientists are diverse people not restricted to lab coats!
For more information please email: science-in2science@unimelb.edu.au
Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE)
The Residential Indigenous Science Experience, aims to inspire students about the exciting and rewarding careers that can lead from studying maths and science. Developed by the University of Melbourne and the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC), the program is carefully crafted for year 9 and 10 students to experience the tangible and hands-on nature of science, including workshops and special presentations on chemistry, geology, genetics, physics and maths, and visits to industry.
Participants are supported throughout the camp by Indigenous and non-Indigenous mentors and the program includes cultural and social experiences to strengthen the bonds between students and introduce some to the city of Melbourne.
Former participants say the program is helpful in confirming their intention to study science at university, some change their degree preference, some gain more confidence for tertiary study, and some even change direction completely after the RISE program.
See the highlights of the 2015 and 2014 RISE experiences.
The Science Experience
Every January the Faculty hosts year 9 and 10 students for a 3-day science summer program. Students get to meet other students from all around Victoria, and work through a fun, interactive program of activities. Our program is designed to provide an experience of university life with lectures, laboratory experiments and hands on interactive experiences run by our top ranking academics all whilst being able to explore our world class facilities.
Some of the highlights for our 2016 program included:
- Exploring the secrets of the universe through the physics and laser show
- Discovering the chemistry of chocolate
- Investigating using mathematics how infectious diseases spread through the human population
- Studying fossils and minerals in an introduction to Geology
- Examining situations in which our eyes (& brains) lie through vision science
- Investigating the structural design, geometry and strength of bridges
- Learning about bushfire science and the behaviours of fire on the Australian landscape
- Crazy science experiments hosted by the Young Scientists of Australia
- Touring the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
There are only 100 places each year, register early so you don't miss out.
For more information and to register, please visit The Science Experience
Year 10 work experience
The Faculty of Science will offer work experience to Year 10 students in June each year. We provide students with a sample of activities that are part of a career in science including conducting experiments, attending seminars of new work, collaborating with others on research projects and presenting your own findings. Students will discover what it is like to be a scientist by participating in interactive workshops and activities in a discipline of their choice. Participants enjoy meeting like-minded new friends and scientific role models as well as getting a taste of university life.
While every effort is made to place as many students interested in the work experience program as possible, this is a very popular program and we are restricted by other University teaching and research commitments. We can only offer work experience on the dates listed below.
Work Experience week
Work experience in the following areas will be run from 25 - 29 June 2018:
- Bio21
- Biology
- Geology, Climate and Weather
- Engineering Research
- Geography
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Information Technology
Work experience in the following areas will run from 18 - 22 June 2018:
- Astrophysics
- Patricle Physics
- Nanoscale Imaging (Physics)
Applications for 2018 will be via an online application form where you will be asked to write about your interest in science and why this experience is important to you. You will not be required to send a resume.
Applications are now closed.
All applicants will receive an outcome by Friday 30 March by email.
For enquiries please send an email to science-workexperience@unimelb.edu.au.
Science Delivery
The Science Delivery program is aimed at increasing the participation of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Current university students who have come from financially disadvantaged or rural backgrounds are recruited and trained as volunteer science presenters. The presenters develop and deliver interactive science activities in low SES high schools in one day programs, developing their communication, teamwork and project development skills. The students act as role models for high school students, reflecting on their personal experiences of university and encouraging students to engage with science in exciting and meaningful ways.
In December 2017, Science Delivery presented across eight days to approximately 800 high school students at metropolitan and regional low-socioeconomic schools.
Stawell Secondary College Assistant Principal, Aaron Dalziel, said of the program: “The kids loved it (as did the staff!) and it was a real hit.”
Feedback from school students included comments such as “the people were friendly and passionate about science which really helps me to absorb information in my head” (from a student at Mount Alexander College) and “the whole experience was exhilarating! :) Thanks for showing us your awesome students and staff!” (from a student at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College).
VCE workshops & lectures
Several schools within the Faculty of Science run VCE workshops and lectures.
- School of BioSciences – VCE Biology workshops
- School of Chemistry – VCE Chemistry workshops
- School of Physics – VCE Physics lecture series
Professional development for teachers
Some of our schools run annual or bi-annual professional development for science teachers. For more information about subject specific professional development, see: